Building a Transmogrifier

[manic mechanic]

When the shop I work at bought a new box van to haul their 26ft trailer to races, I was tasked with insulating and wiring the box, and also dividing it into a sleeping section and work space. Used Styrofoam in the walls and overhead after installing the wiring and receptacles. Installed a 220V covered outlet to provide separate circuits for lights and convenience outlets. The box has a roof-mounted heater/AC unit. Both the truck box and trailer are supplied by one generator. The "living" space has fold-up bunks that double as seating, along with a TV, microwave, and VCR.

Prior to doing all of this the owner had a side door and folding steps mounted on the right side of the box, into the living area. There is also a pocket door between the two areas of the box.

[KLR04]

I've rented such trucks in the past and was wondering if there was a way to smooth out the suspension, the ones I drove had rock solid suspension, I really took a beating with the box empty. How's fuel consumption? I was also wondering if it was possible to remove the spacers between the frame and the box, no need for loading dock height, easier access, smaller frontal area?

[dirtydeeds]

I haven't driven it enough to know how much fuel it goes through. I was told they get around 17mpg when empty.

I imagine it could be smoothed out a bit with air suspension. That's not going to happen on this truck though.

I was under the truck today looking at the steel holding the box up. There's a lot of weld on there. I certainly don't need it as high as it is. I might get to it eventually. Not a priority yet.

[KFhunter]

I wouldn't mind a quad cab 4x4 diesel

pretty rare though

[dirtydeeds]

Originally Posted by KFhunter

I wouldn't mind a quad cab 4x4 diesel

pretty rare though

I'm also keeping my eyes open for tire chains. They're required in winter, by law or common sense, on some roads in AB and BC.

[SchizzMan]

Originally Posted by dirtydeeds

I haven't driven it enough to know how much fuel it goes through. I was told they get around 17mpg when empty.

I imagine it could be smoothed out a bit with air suspension. That's not going to happen on this truck though.

I was under the truck today looking at the steel holding the box up. There's a lot of weld on there. I certainly don't need it as high as it is. I might get to it eventually. Not a priority yet.

Four air bags on the rear might get it done. Not cheap but necessary for an RV conversion.

[Crisis management]

I assume it's leaf suspension on the rear, why not just take out a couple of leaves? I'm no truck expert but it's just a stack of bent steel, remove a few and the stack gets weaker, suspension gets softer?

Nice conversion, the truck is bigger than my workshop so I'm mildly jealous.

[dirtydeeds]

Originally Posted by Crisis management

I assume it's leaf suspension on the rear, why not just take out a couple of leaves? I'm no truck expert but it's just a stack of bent steel, remove a few and the stack gets weaker, suspension gets softer?

Absolutely correct. Not doing it though. I'm ok with it as is.
(Also, changing to more leafs, that aren't as thick changes ride quality.)

Originally Posted by SchizzMan

Four air bags on the rear might get it done. Not cheap but necessary for an RV conversion.

You and I have different meanings of the word "necessary". The next one might be bigger, on air. I want to see if I like the whole box van idea, first.

[SchizzMan]

Originally Posted by dirtydeeds

You and I have different meanings of the word "necessary". The next one might be bigger, on air. I want to see if I like the whole box van idea, first.

That may very well be. For a full RV conversion that sees a lot of miles I do consider it necessary. Unless the spring leaf suspension can be adequately lightened up all the expensive stuff you put in the box will take a beating over time. That costs money, too.

For a bare-bones toy box/sleeper it's probably not necessary. Maybe I'll find out one day. Meanwhile I'm enjoying y'all's projects.

[Dysco]

How are you getting bikes into it? Ramp, liftgate?

[groop]

Are you going to have to pull over for every weigh station with this thing?

[GP640]

Weigh stations

He's in Alberta so I'd bet no because he can probably plate it as a personal
vehicle/rv.

[dirtydeeds]

Right you are. All the scales I've seen here are for commercial vehicles. Most of the ones in the 'States that I've driven past, too. Between Red Deer and Phoenix I only remember one that didn't specify it was only for commercial vehicles. I'm told that I have to put "Not for hire" on the side of it for the DOT. I'll be in contact with them to see if there are any other rules/regs that need to be addressed.

I can put passenger vehicle insurance on it. Just did today as a matter of fact. There were a few questions to answer buf no problems. I can't call it an RV because it needs a bunch of stuff for that. It's costing me $36/month, as a second vehicle. Regular plate.

I took it out for its first real trip. Went to Lacombe to pick up a futon. :)
I think it may need a tie rod. Steering felt a bit loose. Hard to tell for sure as I had a pretty good cross wind and there was occasionally ice on the road.

[MotoChris521]

So , How do you get to the front of the box with bikes loaded sideways ?

[dirtydeeds]

Hoping to find a door for the front. I don't want to have to roll up the door for access/egress.